Chevrolet Sonic Owner's Manual: Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle's three control systems:
- Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
- Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
- Acceleration Skid — too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions:
- Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
- Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
- Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder
while driving. Follow these tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the ...
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop
and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid
driving through large puddles and ...
Other materials:
Shoulder Belt Height Adjuster
The vehicle has a shoulder belt height adjuster for the driver and right front
passenger seating positions.
Adjust the height so the shoulder portion of the belt is on the shoulder and
not falling off of it. The belt should be close to, but not contacting, the neck.
Improper shoulder belt hei ...
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may cause damage. The damage would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not lash or hook to the chassis components
— including the front and rear subframes, suspension control arms, and links — during
towing and recovery of a disabled ve ...
Oil Pump Replacement
Removal Procedure
Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover with Oil
Pump Replacement.
Remove the 8 oil pump cover bolts (1).
Remove the oil pump cover (2).
Warning: Before removing the spring, cover the spring with ...
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